Private Island Tour in Cartagena: Worth It?

A private island tour from Cartagena typically means hiring a speedboat and captain for the day to visit the Rosario Islands, often stopping at spots like Cholón or Barú. Expect about 8-9 hours total: 90 minutes each way by boat, swimming in clear water, snorkeling (basic gear provided), lunch on a beach or the boat, and time to relax on white sand. The water is usually calm and warm, but the ride can get bumpy if the wind picks up. It's genuinely private—you set the pace and choose where to stop—but it's still a full day on the water, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and motion sickness remedies if you need them.

Best time is December through March when seas are calmer and rainfall is low. June to November is cheaper but you risk more rain and rougher crossings. Expect to pay around $350–650 for a group of up to 6 people, depending on boat size, whether lunch and drinks are included, and how far they take you. Bigger groups bring the per-person cost down significantly.

Tip: Choose the version that skips the crowded public beach with the plankton pool—it's overrated and packed. Opt instead for a quieter Cholón or Rosario stop with better swimming. Skip adding jet skis or extra activities unless your group really wants them; the simple boat, swim, lunch formula is usually the most enjoyable part.